Collecting Sunflower Seed
Collecting Sunflower Seeds
Collecting your own seed is a great way of increasing the number of plants you have in your garden for very little cost. So why not save on those seed packet costs and save your own seed for sowing the following year? In this article we show you how to collect Sunflower seed.
There's a variety of sunflower for everyone, from the dwarf varieties growing to around 50 cm to the majestic giants which can reach a dizzying 3 metres. Most varieties we grow are annuals but there are hardy perennial varieties too. They come in shades of yellow, rusty orange and even white.
Sunflowers are great for children to grow and a fantastic way to get them involved in gardening. Why not see who can grow the tallest sunflower?
Keep an eye on your sunflowers. As the seed starts to set the flower heads will droop on the stems and the back of the flower will start to turn yellow. Ripe seeds should look plump and will either be black or black with white stripes.
When you can see lots of fat sunflower seeds you can remove the flower head and allow to it to dry. This will normally be during September or October. Cut the flower head off the plant and place in a dry place. Once dry the seeds can be easily removed.
Only keep the largest and fattest seeds. Any seeds that feel soft when you squeeze them between your fingers should be discarded.
Allow the seeds to fully dry if you are storing them. You can read our article on storing seed
here.
Any that you aren't going to use to grow new plants can be fed to the birds.
Your sunflower seeds can then be sown in April and May to produce new plants.
